Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
渾身
こんしん (konshin)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
有象無象
うぞうむぞう (uzōmuzō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 渾身 and 有象無象.
In Japanese, 渾身 (こんしん (konshin)) is typically associated with "with all one's might, with all one's body/strength" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used to emphasize putting all one's effort, energy, or strength into an action. Often followed by の.
On the other hand, 有象無象 (うぞうむぞう (uzōmuzō)) maps to "all sorts of people (often derogatory); rabble; riff-raff; miscellaneous things." (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used to refer to a large, undifferentiated group of people, implying they are ordinary, insignificant, or of little value. It can carry a derogatory connotation, suggesting a lack of quality or distinction.. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "渾身"
彼は渾身の力を込めてボールを投げた。
He threw the ball with all his might.
Bilingual Context for "有象無象"
祭りの会場には、有象無象の観光客が集まっていた。
All sorts of tourists gathered at the festival venue.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ の力を込めてボールを投げた。" (Meaning: "He threw the ball with all his might.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "渾身" fits here because it means "with all one's might, with all one's body/strength" in the context of: "He threw the ball with all his might.". "有象無象" represents "all sorts of people (often derogatory); rabble; riff-raff; miscellaneous things.".